Heart Health walk on September 26: Most heart diseases preventable

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Around 33,000 people suffer from heart related ailments that can be prevented, Lanka Hospitals CEO Lakith Peiris said.

"With the ever increasing pace of life, people often let their health take second place to work commitments, while simple and easy to do preventive methods could save lives," Peries said.

Sri Lanka Heart Association (SLHA) President Dr WS Shanthiraj said the mortality rate of heart ailments is one of the highest in Sri Lanka and around the world.

"The fact remains that once a person is diagnosed with a heart ailment, taking measures to prevent the condition deteriorating becomes a lifelong challenge. This is why it is important to educate the public on steps that can be taken to prevent heart ailments," he said.

A Heart Health walk organized by the Sri Lanka Heart Association in partnership with Lanka Hospitals to mark World Heart Day will be held on September 26 at 6.30 am at DS Senanayake College junction, Borella on the theme 'Work place wellness - take responsibility for your own heart health'. It will end at Lanka Hospitals.

A special program has been organized at Lanka Hospitals to educate the public about heart health. The event will also feature free cardiac checkups and consultations with some of Sri Lanka's best and leading cardiologists. The SLHA for nearly four decades has championed the cause of preventing heart relate diseases through proper preventive steps. This year's theme will focus on easy and effective preventive steps that, in the long-term.

It will help patients reduce the risk of heart diseases and ailments.